Profile of a Newsmaker: Radio host honored for work on hospice walk

Tuesday

Apr 29, 2008 at 12:01 AMApr 29, 2008 at 9:51 PM

In the news: Jim Reed, KOOL-FM morning host, was named the honorary chairman of the Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Walk. The walk's leaders have scheduled registration at 9 a.m. May 10. The walk, which has been held in Norwich for at least 15 years, will begin at 10 a.m.

Profile of a newsmaker: Radio host honored for work on hospice walk

In the news: Jim Reed, KOOL-FM morning host, was named the honorary chairman of the Hospice Southeastern Connecticut Walk. The walk's leaders have scheduled registration at 9 a.m. May 10. The walk, which has been held in Norwich for at least 15 years, will begin at 10 a.m.

The walk: The hospice walk allows individuals and teams to take part in the 3-mile event at a leisurely pace. About 250 walkers attend each year. Previous walks typically have raised $30,000 for the nonprofit organization staffed by about 130 volunteers. Student volunteers provide face painting and drinks at the halfway point. Hot dogs await walkers at the end of the journey. Pre-registration is recommended and the first 400 registrants receive a free walk T-shirt. To register, call 848-5699 or e-mail events@hospice.org or visit hospicect.org.

About hospice: The organization provides care in the home to anyone in need of end-of-life care regardless of age, disease, religion or finances. Hospice care also can be provided in nursing facilities. The agency also provides bereavement services to families at no cost.

Background: Reed, 55, has a personal interest in hospice since his family allowed the organization to care for his mother, Ruth, in 1994. He volunteered based on his experience with the organization and he also promotes hospice on his morning radio show from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. A born and bred local, Reed grew up in Gales Ferry and graduated from Ledyard High School in 1971. An avid NASCAR fan, Reed gets his kicks at the Waterford Speedbowl and Thompson Speedway.

Quotable: "The walk helps keep my mother's memory alive," he said. "People become profound in the way they think about the walk. They have T-shirts with pictures made up in memory of their loved one. The walk allows people to get together and celebrate their loved ones' lives."

-- Norwich Bulletin

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